Shrikhand - Yogurt Dessert with Saffron & Nuts

Shrikhand, also known as Amarkhand or Mattha is an easy and flavorful Indian dessert which is traditionally prepared by hanging Yogurt in a muslin cloth and draining it of all its liquid content, then using the remaining whey to make the rich and creamy Shrikhand. It is generally flavored with saffron, cardamom and nuts, but over time, various Shrikhand recipes have evolved where you can flavor it with seasonal fruits and artificial flavors to suit your tastebuds. It is similar to a Yogurt Parfait, just a bit thicker in texture, and without granola or cereals. Also, it has a nice creamy flavor, but without the usual fat content. A perfect accompaniment to any Indian meal, or as a healthy dessert when entertaining, this Kesar Shrikhand (Yogurt Dessert) is sure to please you and your guests!

Ingredients
3 cups fresh yogurt
1 cup caster sugar
5-6 strands of saffron (plus more for garnish)
1 tbsp warm milk
1/4 cup nuts - pistachios, almonds, cashews - chopped
1/2 tsp cardamom powder

For Garnish
some more chopped nuts
rose, marigold or any other edible flower petals

Method
Line a colander with a muslin cloth(or a very fine cloth or sieve) with the edges hanging over the colander. Pour in the yogurt. Gather the edges of the muslin cloth and tie a knot, hanging the tied edges from the kitchen sink, letting all the liquid from the yogurt drip in the sink. At the end of 5 hours, the yogurt that remains in the sieve/muslin cloth will be thick and creamy.

Take 1 tbsp warm milk, and drop the saffron strands into it. Let it rest for 15-20 mins to bleed so the saffron oozes out all its color.

Transfer the hung yogurt to a large bowl. Add all the remaining ingredients to it. Mix well, cover, and set in the refrigerator until it is time to serve.

Transfer to a Serving Bowl, or in individual bowls. Then garnish with some chopped nuts, saffron strands and flower petals.

Tip: To reduce hanging time, blend 4 tbsp condensed milk with 1/4 cup crumbled paneer. Make a smooth paste, then add to the curd to make a thicker Shrikhand when you don't have enough time for preparation.

I'm sending this beauty over to Grace for her Beat the Heat event.

Shrikhand is a simple and delicious dessert, high in calcium and flavor. This traditional recipe is a bit time-consuming, so if you are looking for a quicker version, try my Sour-Cream Kesar-Elaichi Shrikhand recipe, which requires no prep-time whatsoever, without compromising on the taste!

Related Recipes:
Mango Kulfi (Mango-Mascarpone Mousse)
Pear & Almond Yogurt Cake
Coconut Burfi (Coconut Laddoos)

Related Tags
fruits, desserts, indian sweets, nuts